Mathematics has a long history, yet it is forever new. The concepts, theories, theorems, and conjectures of the past are the foundation of modern mathematics. How can one best learn them? One effective way is to read the great books on mathematics.

The present volume serves as a guide to the most important books among the vast mathematical literature of the twentieth century, organized by subject. In doing so, it provides concise summaries of all major subjects in contemporary mathematics.

Also included are brief one-paragraph introductions to numerous works of mathematics from throughout the ages, by old masters such as Euler, Galileo, Gauss, Kepler, Leibniz, Newton, Poincaré, et al, accompanied by many images of early printed editions.